Road trip ... the swan and me

This story is quite long ... be prepared

When word got out I needed a vehicle to transport him, I had an offer of some funding and offers of help to find a vehicle.  While a couple fell through, not for lack of folks trying to help us out, another would work … and it came via a former Alaskan and fellow Harley Owners Group /Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association member, Rob. 

I've been telling Will O. that he's going to a wonderful place in the south, warm weather, with a lady waiting for him.  Does he understand?  He hears me ...and cocks his head one way or the other.

Rob got me in touch with Robert and Linda of Sugarland, Texas, who said they’d come in a minivan to the Houston airport, pick me up, go pick up Will O. from Alaska Air Cargo, and then take us to Baton Rouge to the zoo.

I love this old big-beaked bird.  How could you not and he's pretty homely right now with the mottling and white feathers coming through.  He's beautiful to me.

We were scheduled to fly Wednesday, January 29.  The paperwork was in order, the kennel was ready, finally, as we put a thick mat in the bottom for his feet and made sure everything was secure and taped.  I’d have food prepared to take with us for when we landed somewhere for the night so Will would have something in his swan belly.  It looked as though things were going to happen and it would be quite the adventure, traveling with a swan in a vehicle, most likely honking all the way.  Perhaps by the time we get to Baton Rouge I’ll be tired of hearing it and not missing it when I return home?

All in order ... permits and my ticket information.

Wouldn’t you know it … a huge winter storm hit and Louisiana and Texas were both in the middle of it.  Houston and Baton Rouge were having freezing rain and snow and temperatures that are well below freezing, way cooler than Anchorage.  Good grief.  This swan really should have been named Trouble.

 

But I was prepared to go, the weather looked as though it would level out and be decent by the time we got there and we could only cross our fingers and wings and hope for the best.  Yahoo!!!  Road trip with a swan. 

I’ve had folks tell me I should rent a motorcycle with a sidecar and transport Will O. in style.  I wonder if they make swangolles (swan goggles) or leather jackets to fit with wing holes?  Haha.  I also was told maybe a convertible would be in order, with Will O. as the navigator, maybe with a snazzy scarf around his long, elegant neck, flowing out behind him.  What color would suit him best?  Fun to think about, but I’m nervous as I’ve never been a swan or bird-of-any-kind escort before.  But we’ll manage, Will and I, with the help of our new friends.
 

Tuesday I was at Bird TLC, attending to Will.  I now had all the paperwork in hand and the food in Ziplock bags.  One bag and set of documents will accompany the kennel and Will; the other will be carried by me onto the plane.  The set of documents with me was suggested by one of the ladies who travels around Alaska with some of the education birds.

The other tip I received was that if I was not handed something from the airlines stating my bird was on board, I should ask … just to be sure he made the flight.  So all was ready.
 

Before I left Bird TLC that afternoon, I called the gentleman who had captured and brought the swan in.  He said he’d seen the piece on TV about Bird TLC and its volunteers and the part that said the swan was going south.  I told him about what we called him; he and his wife were calling it Samantha, Sammy for short.  He also said he’d told folks he didn’t want the bird euthanized.  I did not tell him it probably came closer to happening than even I want to think about.  But it’s going to be a happy ending.



This is where Will has been living, not ideal, but I guess what you'd classify as cozy, with a pool!  Not too much longer in this home, though. 



I went home to get things packed … a few clothes, my camera, my Nook, my computer.  Then I went to bed for a few hours … a very few hours since I was excited and nervous at the same time.  I didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize Will … not at this stage of the game, not ever.  I wanted this happy ending more than anything.  I wanted the success story for this boy.
 

Shortly before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, I got up and got dressed.  Hobbs was already awake. 

 

And then it was time.  Hobbs and I headed to Bird TLC.  It’s dark in those industrial areas and there was no traffic.  We pulled up to the building and got the back of our vehicle ready.  I got us in the front door with the combination and turned on the lights.  Kodi, the Northwestern Crow started making his usual noises, and then I heard it … honk, honk.  Will knew we were there.

“Like thieves in the night we’re stealing away, a swan in a kennel no longer to stay.
A flight in the morning, to the south a life a new dawning."

We loaded the kennel on the dolly and rolled it over to the mew where Will was waiting.  I removed the large mirror that he used to view his companion, opened the door and removed the small pool and feed station we had set up for him.  If left in the mew he would go through it rather than around it and it would be a bigger mess than usual. 



We moved the kennel across the floor, to get it into position. 

Then we positioned the kennel in front of the mew entrance.  Will just looked at it.  I moved slowly into the mew on one side, and he moved slightly, honking his displeasure.  I moved a bit more as did he.  He went toward the kennel but not in, so I gently moved him along, putting my hand on his head so he wouldn’t bump himself going into the kennel.  It still was not a piece of cake, but we got him loaded fairly easily and shut the door.  We moved him out of the way because I wanted to do a little clean up, but it wasn’t much, and I apologize to my fellow Wednesday workers for leaving a mess for them.

“Hobbs and Bogan all dressed in black, sneaking around and that’s a fact. 

Taking a swan from its captive state, to the airport it goes to make its escape.

 

At this point, Will was my main concern.  I’ll make it up to my co-workers when I get back.  We got the boy loaded and I shut off all the lights and relocked the building. 

Loading up.

As we got in our vehicle the first thing we smelled was Will … a mess.  We opened the windows and I was thinking, “How will my new friends and I handle a five or six hour drive with swan mess smell?”  I guess it’s called mute, but there’s nothing mute about it.  The smell screams at you, and it’s only greens and grains.

Away we went, cold air blowing in, but not really lessening the smell.  I was sure the air cargo guys weren’t going to be thrilled on any part of his journey.  On the way, Will was honking, from fear, from who knows?  I’d been doing silly poetry and posting it on Facebook about thieves in the night and so on.  I’m sure some of that must have been from nervousness.

We went directly to Alaska Air Cargo and got Will situated.  The bill was actually about $20 less than we’d been quoted, a good thing.  I went out and we got his food attached to the top of the kennel and got his door zip tied.  And then, we had to leave him.  It was time for me to go home and get myself ready to go.  I had all our paperwork, my bags and then Hobbs was taking me to the airport. 

Will being moved into the air cargo building. 

The cargo guys took over from there.
 

The food is ready to be attached to the kennel. 

 

At the airport I then worried about Will getting on board.  As soon as I boarded I asked the first attendant about being notified about the bird getting boarded.  She had just seen the piece on television about Bird TLC and Will O. Swan.  She was quite excited that he was flying with them and while I wouldn’t get a tag like people whose animals fly as excess baggage, she assured me they’d let me know when he boarded.

I was near the back of the plane, and when another attendant came by, I asked the same questions about knowing when the swan would be boarding.  She, too, knew about him.  Will O. was famous.  They all knew about him, and of course, I had to tell my seat mate about him, too.  The gentleman was flying with a dog so we could talk about our animals being in the same compartment.  He had quite the story to tell, as well, a military gentleman who had just retired and was having a hard time getting to Houston with lost reservations and so on.  Alaska Airlines came through for him.  He got his tag for his dog, and I got notified Will was on board.  I could relax.

Seattle was our first stop.  Then I started wondering if they’d off load Will for any reason, so I started asking questions again.  Nope.  They double checked.  He was still on board.  Great news.  I’m just a Nervous Nellie about this bird.  Too much has gone into getting him to Baton Rouge for any slip ups now.

 

Then we made Houston.  The attendant in the back said, “They’re offloading your swan now.”  I turned to look, but it was too late.  He’d been loaded in the cart.  Will O. was off the plane before I was.  Too funny.  I had to laugh out loud at that.

 

Houston, the swan has landed. 

 

I made my way to the baggage area and texted Robert and Linda, then called.  No patience.  I walked out the door and they were just pulling up.  We loaded my two items and we were off to get Will.

Just having someone familiar with the area was a huge advantage.  We pretty much sailed on over to the cargo service where I signed for Will.  I worked to clean out the kennel a bit because it was so dirty since he’d been in it for about 16 hours now. 

 

I suppose you always wonder when you open the door to a kennel if all will be well with your animal. 

Ewwwwwh ... smelly swan.  I was glad Robert and Linda had thought to bring a roll of paper towels and I had a bottle of water I'd gotten earlier at the airport.

 Of course, you always get some of it on you.  To the ladies room I went and washed one of the sleeves of my top.  I don’t mind.  It seems I’m always smelling swan poop.  (Yes, I know it’s not the proper name, but that’s what it is.)

Robert and Linda had laid down a huge double sheet of plastic and put a carpet on top of it so the kennel would not slide, and would not make a mess in their minivan.  Great thinking and planning ahead because it was absolutely perfect.  We could put luggage between the seat and the kennel but behind the plastic so there was no chance of a mess of any kind anywhere.

And we were off, heading to Baton Rouge.  I-10 was supposedly closed but that was quite a ways down the road.  We elected to head to Baton Rouge and go as far as we could before stopping for the night.  That way we’d be close for Thursday morning.  Will honked throughout so we always knew he was still aware of what was going on.

Will's kennel behind the seat.  At the first stop, we switched the direction, so we could open the door and maybe it was a bit easier for him to balance.   

I’d received texts from Jennifer at the Baton Rouge Zoo who said the zoo had been closed for two days but that they were intending to be open at 10 a.m. on Thursday.  She also wanted to make sure we were aware of the road closures. 

We kept rolling down the road, finally stopping for something to eat at a Subway.  I asked them for one of their salad dishes so I could get some food and water for Will.  He ate while we ate, but of course when I went to check on him before we left, he had one big old foot in that dish and had everything all over the kennel.  He is a bird.

 

Yep, food and water everywhere.   Another wet clean up.

 

The big bridge over the Mississippi River was open, we’d timed everything just right.  Traffic was flowing and we kept moving.  It appeared the road was open all the way, so we drove through everywhere, Lake Charles, Lafayette, all points, arriving in Baton Rouge about 10:30 p.m. or so.  I-110 was closed.  The on ramps were the problem so we went around other ways toward the airport which is also close to where the zoo is located.  We were looking for a hotel near there.  We located the zoo in our travels, but no motels/hotels.  Will had continued to honk throughout the entire trip, not constantly, but enough to let us know he was still back there, alive and well.  Sometimes it seemed as though he was participating in our conversations when he’d honk at appropriate times.  We laughed about it more than once.

Finally located a Super 8.  We got two rooms near the back and center of the horseshoe-shaped building.  That was good.  Apparently there was a sign that said no animals.  I did not see that.  But there was no way we could leave Will in the vehicle as the weather was below freezing. Robert and Linda’s room was on one side, and there was no one in the room on the other side of me.  We stealthily unloaded the kennel, complete with the plastic sheeting so there’d be no mess of any kind left on the carpet.  I was only worried about him honking and someone hearing him.  I’d already prepared my story … it’s my husband snoring.  But he really didn’t do any honking, as though he knew he needed to be quiet.

The perfect setting for Will in the motel.  No muss, but some fuss. 

 

We’d made another stop along the way so I could get a better tray for Will’s meals.  This time it was a rectangular container about four inches deep.  I fed and watered him again and was happy to hear his slurping noises meaning he was eating. 

Yes, he was eating and being messy.  It's what he does. 

When I checked, he’d also tipped this one over and had his foot in it.  But this time there was water all over the bottom of the kennel.  But no leaks onto the floor.  I used the roll of paper towels to clean up what I could and put it in a plastic bag in the food container so I’d be removing all evidence he’d been in the room.  Except for one minor problem.  When I dumped a little of the leftover food and water in the toilet, it didn’t flush quite as well as it should have.  Being a plumber’s daughter, I used a waste basket to dump clean water from the bath tub down so it would get as far down the pipes as possible.  Hopefully it was good enough.

The next morning we waited for the cleaning folks to take a break and quickly loaded Will back into the van.  No one was suspicious that we could tell.  We shut the door and were back on the road. 

The main road entrance.  We were there, and had nearly completed the mission. 

Robert and Linda, Will's chauffeurs.

The main entrance to the zoo.   Calling Jennifer to find out how to get to the service entrance.

I texted Jennifer and told her we were on our way.  Then she and I spoke, she met us at the zoo entrance and led us to the service entrance area where we were met by Sam, a nice gentleman who oversees the bird exhibit.  He’s been there for 29 years and I instantly liked him.  He seemed to care, to be compassionate and to know I needed reassurance about Will’s new home. 

We took Will over to where he’d stay for a few days.  It was a covered, outdoor, chain link-fenced area as big as a small living room.  I don’t know how big that is, but I’d guess his temporary enclosure is about maybe 20 feet by 20 feet or larger.  It was huge, and there was a blue kiddie pond with water and food awaiting him. 

Will O., heading to his enclosure. 

Sam is the gentleman on the right. 

 

They moved the kennel inside the enclosure and Linda and I went in to take photos.  I opened the door.  He didn’t come out.  And he didn’t come out.  Then with a little encouragement at the back of the kennel he shot out the front door, honking to let us know of his displeasure at being routed out of his familiar surroundings.  It didn’t take him long to wander around in the pen.  It was the first time he’d had real ground under his feet since he’d been admitted to Bird TLC October 26, 2013.  He walked and then wandered over toward the pond, but didn’t get in.  He was familiarizing himself. 

Will needed a little encouragement to leave the kennel. 

Will wandered to the far side of the enclosure, exploring.  Behind me the enclosure goes out several more feet in either direction.    

Will took a look at the pond.  Woo hoo, a  real pond.

I think this boy is looking around and yet has no idea as to how lucky he is yet.  But one thing's for sure, he's not had so much room to wander in months.  What a wonderful feeling ... to get him somewhere that there is real room for him to stay, even if the enclosure is only his home for a few days. 

We got out of the enclosure and just watched.  It was thrilling to see him have some room to wander about.  I was so happy, but of course, was teary.  It was the end of our three-month journey together.  We stood and watched him for a bit as he strutted around. 

Will decided he could partake of the cool water.  I knew he'd be fine, and was adjusting quickly and well to his new digs. 

Sam took us in a golf cart to the area where Will will be living.  It’s not just a little pond, but more like a kidney-shaped small lake.  Grandeur, a multi-billionaire, rich kid’s super mansion compared to where he’s been.  Oh my.  I couldn’t have wished for a better home for him.  There are ducks and geese and lots of different birds at the lake. 

And then I saw her, his companion to be.  She’s snow white and a flamboyant beauty, named Roberta.  She lost her other mate a couple of years ago, so I hope she will be receptive to Will’s advances because he is a lovely soul. 

 

The beautiful Roberta swims around in the lake as though she owns it ... and perhaps she does. 

It’s all open with no nets over the top and other birds fly in and fly out whenever they want.  There’s food provided for all who stop, and that made my heart swell. 

The graceful Roberta and me.  This is looking to the center and right of the lake.

Looking more right, there's a fountain-type of fixture that feeds water into the lake. 

Other birds, fly in, land, hang out, feed, and then may or may not fly out again. 

Looking to the left, the lake goes even further.  You can see the monkey island and the house toward the left.

There were several pelicans on the lake, as well. 

There’s also an island in the middle of the lake where spider monkeys live.  I hope Will stays away from them.  They’re trained to go in a little house where the doors close and they’re fed.  That way a zoo keeper can row over in a little boat and clean up after them.  You don’t go on the island unless they’re enclosed because they’re mean.  They know they have to go in the house to get fed.  I thought the whole setup interesting.  We saw them come out and watched them for a bit. 

The monkey house just opened and the monkeys were coming out. 

Monkeys, dirty little animals I'm told, and quite mean. 

You can sure see where the name spider comes from.  All arms, legs and tail. 

Then we loaded up into the golf cart and took a tour of the zoo.  We were told it’s one of the largest and best bird exhibits, and I believe that.  We saw many gorgeous birds, parrots, pigeons, ostriches, emus, and so many others that I don’t even know what they were.

Another favored bird of mine, flamingoes. 

This beautiful bird is a Victoria crowned pigeon.  The crown reminds me of peacock feathers except in this denim-blue color.  They were one of the most beautiful birds I've ever seen. 

There were lots of monkeys, three giraffes that I loved, seemingly gentle creatures that they are, hippos, pygmy hippos, rhinos, tigers, a beautiful black jaguar with piercing eyes who wanted to eat us for his lunch, and funny-looking little hogs with Yoda ears and hairy snouts (Yoda and Frodo). 

The two tigers were behind glass but the photo isn't too bad. 

The rhino had been laying down, but upon our arrival got up to see what was going on. 

These are Red River hogs, Yoda and Frodo. They weigh from 100-270 pounds.

The facial hair on the snout can be fluffed out to make these hogs look larger.  The tufts of hair on the ends of the ears are used to brush insects away from its eyes.

We were treated to a special tour that included a history of many of the animals and their names.  It was quite fascinating and the zoo is a lovely place even in the winter when the temperature isn’t often in the 30s or maybe 40s.  I just can’t get enough of zoos as they’re such special places where we can see things we ordinarily wouldn’t ever get to see. 

There were two pygmy hippos, but they also are solitary creatures, like many of the other animals, and must be kept separated except during mating season. 

Giraffes are so ungainly, but are majestic animals. 

I did ask if they wanted any bald eagles.  Nope.  They have several.  Oh well.  It was worth a try.

Matilda, the black-necked swan, was on the other side of this pond, and came swimming toward us with the hope of a handout.  Nope, sorry, Matilda. 

Black-necked swans are not very large, and Matilda doesn't have a made.  She's beautiful.

And then, we went to the Administration Building and chatted a few minutes, and then it was back to where the vehicle was and a final good bye to Will.  It was sad, happy, tearful.  But he was in his pond and he’d been eating, all good signs.  He looked happy, too, and I was glad for him.  He’d been through a lot, but his story is one of Bird TLC’s successes, possibly one of the more difficult ones to accomplish, but we did it.  We were also told that since he’d been in captivity for a few months, he would not have to go through the 30-day quarantine process.  He’d be checked over by the vet and then released into the lake within a couple of days.

I cannot speak enough of how grateful I am for this zoo taking Will, or of how beautiful a place he will be in, to swim, to walk, to love another of his kind.  It is truly a sight to see, to know that something you love will be cared for and cherished.

This was a team effort.  There was so much help in getting this done, and I’m grateful to all of those who helped, in one way or the other, be it caring for him at Bird TLC, providing names and phone numbers of places to try to find a home, to making calls, to working to getting a ride to the zoo, the ride itself, to providing funds for gas for his trip from Houston to Baton Rouge.  Thank you all.

Fly free, Will O. Love you and our time together, but happy to see you go. 

 

Will O. and me ...  

 I can’t save all the animals, but I sure could save one … and maybe there is another one or two in my future.

 

Baton Rouge, Baton Route, gonna buy me some alligator shoes ... Guy Clark, lyrics.

 

My new friends, Robert and Linda, drove me back to Houston, again way more than I’d expected.  It was Linda’s birthday today (January 30) and this was how she had elected to spend it, hauling a swan and his keeper to a zoo.  Wow.  But it was an adventure of a different type, and enjoyed by all of us.  We had a great time, and are planning to ride together this summer.  I’m working to plan a trip to the zoo to see Will and his lady and see how it’s going.  Maybe there will be some little swans in his future.  Robert and Linda may be able to take some time to go as well.  What a great way to close the swan song.



Linda and Robert, happy birthday lemonade pie at Mike Anderson's.

One of the fountains outside of the restaurant, with lots of ice. 

The other fountain on our way out still had a lot of ice since it was in the shade.

We arrived back in Houston and while Robert and Linda offered to put me up at their home, I was catching an early flight so said I’d rather stay at a hotel near the airport as I didn’t want to inconvenience them.  They’d already done so much for us.  But I count them friends and look forward to our next encounter.

Another Super 8 … they took me in so apparently there’s no word on the swan poop from the other Super 8.  As I lay there in bed with the TV on, I checked the temperatures in Baton Rouge.  It was 37 degrees.  Then I started to worry about Will again … he’d been an indoor bird for several months.  I’d mentioned it to the zoo folks, and they said he’d be fine.  I still worried and kept checking the temperature.  It stayed at 37.  I worry about his little stump not having enough feathers to cover it. 

On Friday I texted the zoo and asked for a photo when they put him in the lake.  Hopefully I’ll get one, and I’ll know all is well.

And I’m homeward bound, the flight of the swan complete.

"A swan and I on the trip of our life, to his forever home free of strife.

A wonderful future in the Baton Rouge zoo, a snow-white companion who will always be true.

This beautiful swan, who I won’t soon forget, I’m happy for the opportunity to aid and abet.

To steal him away to a place with good weather, on a lake of grand proportions with other birds who will gather.

I’ll miss the honking, and am sorry to see him go, but with all the help and the team, was happy to make it so.

What more could you ask, than an extremely happy ending, a success story for sure, one that made it worth all the swan tending."